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The Alcor Podcast

The Alcor Podcast

Written by: Alcor Life Extension Foundation
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About this listen

Get a behind-the-scenes look at what's really happening at Alcor Life Extension Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to advancing cryopreservation science and technology. Through candid monthly conversations with our researchers, medical team, and staff, we share the stories and science driving the world's leading cryonics organization forward.

© 2025 The Alcor Podcast
Science
Episodes
  • Deployment and Recovery: Inside Alcor's DART Team - Part 2
    Jun 2 2025

    This is Part 2 of our DART series with Alcor's Medical Response Director, Shelby Calkins. If you haven't listened to Part 1, you should --> listen to it here <-- before continuing.

    Episode Overview

    In this essential continuation of our DART series, Alcor's Medical Response Director Shelby Calkins dives deep into the operational realities of the Deployment and Recovery Team. This second part explores how DART executes their critical no-fail mission, from team composition and strategic positioning to equipment deployment and regulatory navigation. Discover the dramatic growth in case volume, the meticulous planning behind each deployment, and the vital role members play in ensuring optimal cryopreservation outcomes.

    Key Topics Discussed

    • DART's successful transition from contractor model to in-house operations
    • Strategic team positioning and recruitment priorities
    • Dramatic increase in case volume from 5-7 to 23-24 annual cases
    • Comprehensive equipment deployment
    • Emergency notification protocols and member communication best practices
    • Regulatory challenges and compliance across different states
    • Post-case debrief processes for continuous improvement
    • Essential member preparedness recommendations and health monitoring


    Support Alcor with Directed Donations:

    • Power-up Alcor's Deployment and Recovery Team (DART)
    • Help us Bring Alcor to Europe
    • Alcors Engineering Equipment Wishlist
    • Build Out Alcor's Science Lab

    Stay Connected:

    • Follow Alcor on Facebook, Reddit, Discord
    • Learn more about Alcor at www.alcor.org (and subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom)
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Deployment and Recovery: Inside Alcor's DART Team - Part 1
    Apr 23 2025

    Episode Overview

    In this very important episode, Alcor pulls back the curtain on one of its most critical operations: the Deployment and Recovery Team (DART). Join medical response director Shelby Calkins as she provides an in-depth look at the DART team's crucial work. This is the first part of a two-part series that offers unprecedented insight into the inner workings of Alcor's medical response team, providing a comprehensive understanding of the complex and critical role the DART team plays in Alcor's mission.

    Key Topics Discussed

    • The history of Standby Stabilization and Transport (SST)
    • Creation and evolution of Alcor's DART model
    • Alcor's strategic shift towards in-house SST operations
    • Insights into team recruitment and training
    • Addressing common misconceptions about the DART team

    Alcor Members: Don't forget to take our member readiness survey by clicking here.

    Support Alcor with Directed Donations:

    • Power-up Alcor's Deployment and Recovery Team (DART)
    • Help us Bring Alcor to Europe
    • Alcors Engineering Equipment Wishlist
    • Build Out Alcor's Science Lab

    Stay Connected:

    • Follow Alcor on Facebook, Reddit, Discord
    • Learn more about Alcor at www.alcor.org (and subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom)
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Bringing DART to Your Doorstep
    Feb 27 2025

    In this episode of The Alcor Podcast, we take a look at how the newly formed Alcor Canada is making cryonics more accessible. Their donor-supported model isn’t just for Canada—it’s an approach that could work anywhere, bringing cryonics resources closer to those who want them. No matter where you are, this episode offers valuable insights into setting up local cryonics resources - worth your time!

    Highlights:

    • The Birth of Alcor Canada – Why the need for a dedicated Canadian entity became clear and how it took shape.
    • How the Canadian DART Team Works – A deep dive into how the team is structured, how they respond to cases, and why their model can be replicated anywhere.
    • Training for Cryonics Deployments – The essential skills and specialized knowledge that make DART teams effective
    • Funding Local Expansion – How donor-supported initiatives are creating local cryonics resources and what it takes to bring a team to your doorstep.
    • Whats Next - The future ambitions for Alcor Canada

    Support Alcor with Directed Donations:

    • Power-up Alcor's Deployment and Recovery Team (DART)
    • Help us Bring Alcor to Europe
    • Alcors Engineering Equipment Wishlist
    • Build Out Alcor's Science Lab

    Stay Connected:

    • Follow Alcor on Facebook, Reddit, Discord
    • Learn more about Alcor at www.alcor.org (and subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom)
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 3 mins
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